The OpenBind consortium’s first release of experimental data marks a milestone in efforts to improve how artificial intelligence (AI) is used in drug discovery. Find out more ⬇️ https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2026-05-12-openbind-releases-first-open-dataset-and-ai-model-for-drug-discovery

New research from @oxfordphysics.bsky.social and UCL suggests pollution from coal-fired power plants is reducing solar power generation. The study analysed solar PV installations worldwide using satellite imagery, atmospheric observations and machine learning. ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/2s4yf4nv

📢 Science in the Age of Algorithms Tuesday 19 May, 5pm, Andrew Wiles Building (Maths) Public panel discussion with Professor Mullainathan (MIT), Professor Shadbolt (Oxford), and Dr Hadsell (Google DeepMind), chaired by Professor Abeler. Book online at: https://tinyurl.com/36fy2mxx

Projects and individuals from five MPLS departments and one division-led programme are shortlisted for seven of the 13 Vice-Chancellor's Award categories.  There are also colleagues from across MPLS involved in nine wider collaborative projects. 👏 👉 https://tinyurl.com/z63cjzhe

How well do climate models capture the processes that shape rainfall? New research from the Department of Physics and ETH indicates that key large-scale wind patterns may be underestimated, helping explain uncertainty in regional forecasts. ➡️ Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/76fcmnx2

New study shows that fungi are key to restoring tropical island ecosystems 🌱 Research involving scientists from the Department of Biology reveals how hidden fungal networks support rainforest recovery on remote islands like Palmyra Atoll. ➡️ Read more: https://tinyurl.com/46rtrzcb

Researchers, including those from Oxford’s Department of Engineering Science and collaborators, show for the first time that ultrasound may mimic DBS effects in Parkinson’s, potentially enabling non-invasive treatments that could avoid surgery. ➡️ Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/96wpnrem

Oxford physicists have demonstrated a new route to boosting the intensity of high-power laser light. Published in Nature, the work could enable experiments probing fundamental physics, including how light interacts with the quantum vacuum. ➡️ Read more: https://tinyurl.com/37abvu7j

Happy #EarthDay! The collaborative project, Physics in Action, produced an animation that explores the mathematics of forecasting, showing how climate science impacts everything from daily routines to public safety. 📽️https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS_9EC4tOn8 https://physicsinaction.site.ox.ac.uk/

From climate modelling to biodiversity research, scientists across the MPLS Division spend every day trying to understand and protect the world we live in. 🌍 #EarthDay2026

Antifungal resistance leads to >3.8 million deaths each year. To address this global threat, the IOI has established a new antifungal drug discovery programme, led by Dr Xuefei (Fei) Chen, to uncover new antifungal agents and treatments. Find out more 👉https://ow.ly/SiAV50YMst9

When reality outpaces satire, what's left? 🤔 This term's Sheldonian Series talk tackles The Power of Satire with Jan Ravens, Andrew Hunter Murray and Ella Baron. Wednesday 20 May, 5.30-6.45pm. Audience Q&A included. 👉 Book your tickets at https://tinyurl.com/2t3dhd9h

Nearly 30 years of data. One major social split. In a study led by UT Austin, Department of Statistics researchers contributed to the analysis of nearly 30 years of data tracking the breakdown of the world’s largest known chimpanzee community. ➡️ Read more: https://tinyurl.com/22b2mrch

📢 Have you nominated for the MPLS Impact Awards yet? Recognising outstanding research impact beyond academia across five categories: commercial, social, policy, public engagement with research, and technician impact. Deadline: 29 April Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/5n92pmuz

New research from Oxford University and Curtin University captures a black hole jet 'dancing' as it orbits a massive star. The observations provide a direct measurement of the jet’s power, confirming key assumptions in large-scale models structures. ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/2b7tjvy9

Anatomy Uncovered is a unique event combining engaging, expert led talks with an exhibition showcasing rare historic anatomy books from @bodleian.ox.ac.uk. An interactive morning at the RSL provides the context before viewing this remarkable display at the Weston Library go.glam.ox.ac.uk/anato

EVENT: Oxford AMR Network on translation and commercialisation Oxford researchers working on antimicrobial resistance are invited to hear from Oxford Science Enterprises and Oxford University Innovation, followed by networking. 📅 Tuesday 12 May, LaMB 👉 https://tinyurl.com/3nbz76jx

A newly discovered fossil site in southwest China is shedding light on the origins of complex animal life. In an Oxford-led study, researchers analysed more than 700 fossils, suggesting key animal groups emerged millions of years earlier than previously thought. ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/5bv79n5y

Storing sperm can reduce its quality across the animal kingdom, new research led by Oxford’s Department of Biology shows  with effects on fertility and offspring development. The findings could help inform fertility treatments and conservation efforts. ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/mrnj6kfz

Our congratulations to Kit Gallagher, nominated by the University of Oxford and selected as a Schmidt Science Fellow. Having completed his DPhil at the Mathematical Institute, Kit will now pivot from mathematical modelling to genetics and genomics as a 2026 @schmidtfellows.bsky.social

In The Conversation: NASA plans to have a permanent base on the Moon by 2030 – how it can be done. As NASA eyes a permanent foothold on the Moon by 2030, Oxford physicists explain what it would take, from lunar 3D printing to advanced energy systems. ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/yszkwuca

📢 Know someone who deserves recognition? The MPLS Teaching Awards are open to anyone who teaches as part of their role within the MPLS Division. Nominations can be made by academics, staff or students.  📅 Deadline: Thursday 30 April  👉 Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/47hetvhd

NEW: Researchers in @biology.ox.ac.uk have discovered that hedgehogs can hear ultrasound up to 85kHz, far beyond the human range. The finding could help develop targeted repellers to reduce hedgehog road deaths. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/558ukfwc

To all the brilliant women working across the sciences at Oxford University, thank you. You inspire and shape the future. #IWD2026 #WomenInSTEM #InternationalWomensDay

A newly identified rice gene helps maintain yields with less nitrogen fertiliser and could support more sustainable farming. In field trials, rice with an improved natural version showed higher yields under low-fertiliser conditions. ➡️ Read more: https://tinyurl.com/2k2ceaaf

Cross-Channel Collaboration for the Public Good celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Fondation Wiener-Anspach, bringing together speakers to explore how research can reach wider audiences with integrity and impact. 📅 27 March, 3pm 🗺️ Lady Margaret Hall Register: https://tinyurl.com/52s3zfbw

New Oxford analysis of Apollo moon rocks suggests the debate over the Moon’s magnetic field comes down to where samples were collected. High-titanium volcanic rocks recorded brief intense magnetism, while most of the Moon was weakly magnetic. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/3cynatvf

📢 The MPLS Impact Awards are open for nominations! Recognising outstanding research impact beyond academia across five categories: commercial, social, policy, public engagement with research, and technician impact. Deadline: 29 April 2026 Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/5n92pmuz

Join the Oxford Martin School for a talk on “energy islands”, exploring the degrees of isolation and connectedness in energy systems from microgrids to nation-states, with Professor Yael Parag. 📅 Monday 9 March 🗺️ Oxford Martin School and online Register online 👇

Reminder: MPLS Research Culture Fund is open for applications. Supporting pilot and collaborative initiatives that enhance: • How research is carried out • How contributions are recognised • How research careers are developed 🗓 Applications close: 9 March Apply now 👇 https://tinyurl.com/28xx4nnn

A collaborative study including researchers from the Department of Biology has found that a simple digital intervention using Tetris-like gameplay cut intrusive trauma memories tenfold in healthcare workers. Published in The Lancet Psychiatry. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/3sa6f8ad

A collaborative study including researchers from the Department of Biology has found that a simple digital intervention using Tetris-like gameplay cut intrusive trauma memories tenfold in healthcare workers. Published in The Lancet Psychiatry. Read more: https://tinyurl.com/3sa6f8ad

📢 The 2026 EPSRC Vacation Internship call is open. Up to 15 funded summer research internships (c.10 weeks) are available, giving undergraduate students hands-on experience in EPSRC-remit research. Deadline: Midday, 13 March 2026 More information: https://tinyurl.com/mr2bwnwe

📢 Nominations are open for the MPLS Outstanding Supervisor Awards!  The awards recognise supervisors who excel in mentorship and support, enhancing the academic and professional growth their students. 📅 Deadline: 23 March 2026 👉 Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/mryh3zyn

Green Action Week: Let’s take the next step together 🐝 Green Action Week is a chance to celebrate environmental action across the University. With over 80 event hosts – staff, students, colleges and departments, there’s something for everyone. See more: https://tinyurl.com/5ctrzces

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is mapping the southern sky over 10 years, creating an unprecedented timelapse of the Universe. Oxford researchers are part of this international effort, helping to advance our understanding of dark matter and the dynamic cosmos. ⬇️

The MPLS Research Culture Fund is open for applications. Supporting pilot and collaborative initiatives that enhance: • How research is carried out • How contributions are recognised • How research careers are developed 🗓 Application deadline: 9 March 2026 Apply now 👇 https://tinyurl.com/28xx4nnn

📢 Nominations are open for the MPLS Awards for Outstanding Research Supervision. The awards recognise the supervisors and research group leaders across the Division who make a real difference to doctoral students and early-career researchers. Find out how to nominate: https://tinyurl.com/mryh3zyn

Lorna Casselton Memorial Lecture 2026 Nobel Laureates Victor Professors Ambros and Gary Ruvkun present “How Experimental Worm Genetics and Genomics Revealed an Ancient World of Tiny RNAs.” 📅 Thursday 14 May 🗺️ Mathematical Institute (and online) ➡️ Register: https://tinyurl.com/mwyjxea3

The Big Question from the Oxford Sparks team this week is 'Where do baby penguins come from?' Penguinologists Ignacio (Nacho) Juarez Martínez and Fiona Suttle spill the beans... 🎧 Listen online at https://tinyurl.com/2tjy3usv

At this Investors’ Reverse Pitch, VCs will share how they evaluate early-stage deep-tech and research-driven STEM startups, what they look for in teams and tech, and the value they bring beyond funding. Friday 20 February Saïd Business School Sign up: https://luma.com/4nfpvgk9

EXPERT COMMENT: Professor Peter Grindrod from @oxfordmathematics.bsky.social outlines why mathematics is pivotal for all artificial intelligence technologies, and how future leadership will depend on investing in numerical disciplines. Read the piece at: tinyurl.com/4hyu866t

Three MPLS researchers share the advice they’d give their younger selves for International Day of Women and Girls in Science. ✨ “You don’t have to be like everyone else.” 🧱 “You cannot have success without failure.” 🎯 “Follow your dreams.” #WomenInScience #IDWGS

This International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate the talented, trailblazing women who we have the honour of working with every day here at Oxford Earth Sciences 🌏 #IDWGS #WomenInScience @ox.ac.uk @mplsoxford.bsky.social

Alumna Kelsey Doerksen's TEDx talk on how to be an ethical consumer of AI resonates for International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The talk explores the exploitative labour conditions underpinning data labelling & the risks of bias & misrepresentation: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9V2U...

The Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development invites MPLS colleagues and students to 'AI for Planetary Systems' – a series of talks by Schmidt AI Fellows. 📆 Friday at 2pm 🗺️ Flora Anderson Hall, Somerville College 👉 Register online at: https://forms.office.com/e/L9af90acAs

Have you nominated for the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards yet? A reminder that nominations are open across six categories for professional, technical and support staff, academics and researchers. ⏰ Nominations close at noon 23 February. 👉 Find out more: https://hr.admin.ox.ac.uk/vice-chancellors-awards

Who influences policy linked to your research – and who’s affected by it? Join this interactive workshop for researchers and DPhil students on stakeholder mapping, policy audiences, and engagement strategies. 📅 Tuesday 17 February 2026 ➡️ Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/mw4akvhz

From stalagmites to societal shifts: a collaborative study with researchers from the Department of Earth Sciences shows that dramatic flooding in the Yangtze Valley reshaped ancient human settlements, including the fall of the Shijiahe. 👉 Read more: https://tinyurl.com/574xdj24

Oxford postgraduates: applications are open for Edge Challenges. A new programme bringing interdisciplinary teams together to address real-world problems in science, tech and social innovation with external partners. 📅 Apply by 18 February ➡️ Details: https://tinyurl.com/bdr6d9ct